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PNG Law Society concerned on travel ban

The Papua New Guinea Law Society, says it is concerned and disturbed by reports of a travel ban issued by the Chief Migration Officer against two of its members, Australian-based lawyers Greg Egan and Terence Lambert.
The two lawyers are acting for Task Force Sweep Chairman Sam Koim and National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate head, Chief Superintendent Mathew Damaru and his now terminated deputy Chief Inspector Timothy Gitua.
President Peter Kuman, says the PNG Law Society was not aware of the ban until media reports surfaced on Monday.
Mr Kuman, says he understands, the matter is sub-judice, because the decision by Mataio Rabura to ban the two lawyers is now the subject of a Judicial Review at the National Court.
Peter Kuman, says the Law Society views their ban as a violation of the rule of law in the country.
Mr. Kuman adds, both men hold current practicing certificates for 2015 and are entitled to practice law in PNG.
He says lawyers play a very important role in the administration and dispensation of justice.
Mr. Kuman says the ban is a concern when the two lawyers are involved in an ongoing case representing members of the police force in matters relating to the issuance of a warrant of arrest for Prime Minister Peter O'Neil.
Meantime, the Opposition has expressed concern over the sacking of the two senior police officers leading investigations into a warrant of arrest against Prime Minister Peter O'Neil.
Opposition Leader Don Polye says the sacking of Thomas Eluh and Timothy Gitua undermines PNG's Constitution and the principles of democracy.
He says it also compromises the work of Constitutional office holders.
Polye referred to Thomas Eluh and Timothy Gitua as two leading officers in the forefront who got the warrant of arrest for the Prime Minister, and pursued the matter in court, and that was admirable, regardless of who they were dealing with.
Polye lashed out at Peter O’Neil for undermining the constitution,saying the law has no barrier over anybody, whether it’s the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader or anyone who breaks the law.
Polye is calling on the Police Commissioner for some justice for the two men as their termination is not going down well with the rest of the country.